The PhD Project

08/18/2026

Tomorrow, the Information Systems & Sciences community comes together in Reno for the ISS Impact Summit, an opportunity to connect, learn, and recognize the impact of our community.

As we look forward to bringing the ISS community together, we’re also highlighting one of its members, Roderick Lee Ph.D, whose journey is a powerful example of the impact of mentorship and opening doors for others.

A five-time Penn State graduate, Dr. Lee credits mentors who recognized his potential and encouraged him to pursue opportunities that shaped his career. Today, he is paying that investment forward as a professor, mentor, researcher, and leader, helping students build confidence, pursue opportunities, and see possibilities they may not have imagined for themselves.

His story is a reminder that when we invest in people, the impact extends far beyond the individual.

Read more about Dr. Lee’s journey, his commitment to mentorship, and his work helping open doors for the next generation:

🔗 Read the full story from Penn State Smeal College of Business:
https://harrisburg.psu.edu/story/59336/2026/08/14/penn-state-journey-dedicated-opening-doors-others

We look forward to seeing our ISS community tomorrow in Reno!

&Sciences

On Roderick Lee’s path to earning five degrees from Penn State, there were people who recognized his potential and encouraged him to pursue opportunities that shaped his career. Now, as a faculty member, he works to open doors for others, as he supports and mentors the next generation of Nittany L...

08/13/2026

Back from Las Vegas and reflecting on an incredible Accounting Impact Summit filled with learning, connection, and celebration.

During this one-day event, members participated in professional development sessions, student presentations, faculty mentoring opportunities, a meet-and-greet with university representatives, networking, and an awards reception.

We were especially excited to welcome new students beginning their doctoral journey and to recognize members who reached significant milestones this year, including passing comprehensive exams, successfully defending their dissertations, and earning promotions. These accomplishments reflect the talent, perseverance, and growth of our Accounting community.

Congratulations to Dr. Kerri-Ann Sanderson, recipient of the Spirit Circle Award, presented in recognition of her outstanding commitment and dedication to advancing The PhD Project's mission and exemplifying the values of the Accounting Member Association during the 2025–2026 academic year.

We also proudly celebrated Dr. Helen Brown-Liburd, who was inducted into The PhD Project Hall of Fame, recognizing her lasting leadership, service, and contributions to the academic community.

A sincere thank you to our Planning Committee and Faculty Advisors for creating a meaningful experience for our members. Special thanks to Accounting Member Association President John Daryl Barber for his leadership in guiding the committee and helping bring this event to life. We also look forward to working with Laura Wardwell, as she begins her term as President-Elect.

There was much to celebrate in Las Vegas, and we are grateful to everyone who contributed to making the Accounting Impact Summit such a success.

08/11/2026

The recognitions are still coming in from Philadelphia following The PhD Project Management Impact Summit!

Please join us in congratulating this year's award recipients:

🏆 Promising Young Educator Award – Aylime Bueno
🏆 Promising Young Scholar Research Excellence Award – Dr. Horatio Traylor
Both awards recognize excellence in research, publications, and presentations.

🏆 Trailblazer Award – Dr. Erika H. James
Recognized for distinguished scholarship, exemplary mentorship, and pioneering leadership that has advanced the field of management and inspired future generations.

🏆 Management Faculty of Color Association (MFCA) –MDSA Model Mentor–Mentee Award
Recognizing outstanding engagement and commitment to the MFCA–MDSA Mentorship Program, which supports the academic and professional growth of doctoral students.

A special thank-you to the current and past presidents of The PhD Project Management Association. Your dedication, service, and leadership have shaped a community where scholars can connect, grow, and thrive. The strength of this network is a reflection of your commitment over the years. We are especially grateful to current President Christopher Flowers for his leadership and service, and we look forward to the continued success of the association under incoming President Allie Garcia, MBA.

Congratulations to all of this year's honorees on these well-deserved recognitions!

07/23/2026

Congratulations to Myrna Varner on receiving an Impact Award from The Tenure Project during its Summer Soirée. The award honors leaders who are advancing equity in academia.

Founded by PhD Project members Dr. Wendy De La Rosa and Dr. Esther Uduehi, The Tenure Project supports junior faculty in U.S. business schools through mentorship, community, networking, and professional development opportunities designed to help scholars successfully navigate the path to tenure.

For nearly 20 years, Myrna supported The PhD Project community as our Member Relations Manager, building connections and championing the success of our members throughout their academic journeys. We are excited to see her dedication and commitment to supporting scholars recognized with this well-deserved honor.

We also celebrate the faculty members who achieved tenure this year and the continued progress of scholars advancing their careers in academia.

Congratulations to all who were recognized and celebrated during this inspiring gathering!

07/22/2026

The PhD Project Hall of Fame Spotlight Series continues with Dr. Lisa Ordóñez, Dean of the School of Management, UC San Diego and a 2026 Hall of Fame inductee.

Join Voices of Impact host Alfonzo Alexander for a special conversation with Dr. Ordóñez as she shares her journey from first-generation college student to business school dean, the mentors who helped shape her path, and her commitment to creating opportunities for future scholars.

🎙️ Listen now and be inspired by her story of leadership, mentorship, and impact.

Dr. Ordóñez will be officially inducted into The PhD Project Hall of Fame during the Management Impact Summit on July 31, 2026.

Visit http://www.phdproject.org to learn more.Episode Highlights...

07/17/2026

What keeps you going when the journey gets tough?
As we prepare for our first Impact Summit event, we're reflecting on a powerful stage of : Persistence.

For many members, The PhD Project becomes a source of support during moments of doubt, burnout, and uncertainty. The quotes shared in this carousel are reminders that no one has to navigate the doctoral journey alone.

🫶 Community can be a lifeline.
🫶 Mentorship can change a trajectory.
🫶 Support can make the difference between giving up and moving forward.

Today, you can help ensure that future scholars have access to the same encouragement, connections, and opportunities that have helped generations of PhD Project members persist and succeed.

🔗Donate: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/fundraising/standing-stronger-together

🔗 Learn more about The Vanguard Society: https://phdproject.org/vanguardsociety/

What role has community played in your journey?
Share your story below.

07/15/2026

The PhD Project is proud to announce the creation of the Dr. Kimberly M. Ellis Endowed Fund for Strategy Ph.D. Students, established through a generous legacy gift honoring Dr. Kimberly Ellis’s lifelong dedication to doctoral education, mentorship, and academic leadership.

Dr. Ellis’s mother shared:
“Dr. Ellis embraced every opportunity to enhance her knowledge and to pursue excellence. My sincere hope is that the recipient of this endowment will exhibit the same tenacity as Dr. Ellis did.”

The endowed fund will provide meaningful support to future strategy Ph.D. students as they pursue their academic journeys and carry forward Dr. Ellis’s commitment to excellence.

Learn more about Dr. Ellis’s legacy and the impact of this meaningful gift:
http://bit.ly/4ypCWPu

07/10/2026

Investing in leadership at every stage of the faculty journey.

On June 22–23, The PhD Project proudly hosted our Board Fit and Aspiring Leaders seminars at Morgan State University , Graves School of Business & Management, bringing together 41 tenured faculty members focused on expanding their impact through board service and academic leadership.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Dean Royce Burnett, a PhD Project member and champion, for hosting these important programs and for his continued commitment to developing future leaders in higher education. We also thank the Morgan State University team, our moderators, planning committee members, and all participants whose engagement, insights, and willingness to share their experiences made these seminars a success.

Special thanks to:
🔹 Board Fit Moderators
• Stephen L. Brown, Senior Advisor, KPMG LLP Board Leadership Center
• Susan Angele, Alpha Fellow

🔹 Aspiring Leaders Planning Committee
• Dr. Lisa Ordóñez, Dean, University of California, San Diego - Rady School of Management
• Dr. Miguel Quiñones, University Professor of Management, University of Richmond - Robins School of Business
• Dr. Anthony Wilbon, Ph.D., PMP, Dean, Howard University School of Business

A special thank you to Dr. Lisa Ordóñez for her leadership and dedication as a member of the Aspiring Leaders Planning Committee. As she transitions off the committee, we are grateful for the time, expertise, and commitment she has shared in helping advance leadership development opportunities for The PhD Project community.

As one participant shared:

"The PhD Project remains focused on the professional development of its members. As someone who has benefited immensely throughout my time as a doctoral student, junior faculty, and even now as a tenured and endowed professor, there isn’t a better academic organization on the planet than The PhD Project. The holistic approach it takes to developing doctoral students and faculty is second to none."

Thank you to everyone who contributed to these impactful programs and to strengthening the leadership pipeline across business education.

07/09/2026

Congratulations to Shalei Simms, Ph.D on her appointment as Dean of the Murray Koppelman School of Business at Brooklyn College!

Dr. Simms’ journey with The PhD Project began when she attended the 2001 Annual Conference as a prospective doctoral student. Since then, she has advanced through the academic pipeline as a doctoral student, faculty member, and higher education leader—exemplifying the impact of mentorship, perseverance, and academic excellence.

A nationally recognized leader in business education, Dr. Simms has championed innovative program development, expanded online learning opportunities, and led AI Across the Curriculum initiatives that prepare students with the ethical and technological competencies needed in today’s evolving business landscape. She has also secured millions of dollars in public and private funding to support student success, retention, and graduation outcomes.

Join us in wishing her great success in this new role!

Shalei V. K. Simms appointed to lead Brooklyn’s only AACSB-accredited business school, the Murray Koppelman School of Business.

07/08/2026

🎙️ Part 1 of Our Hall of Fame Spotlight Series is here!

In the latest episode of Voices of Impact, host Alfonzo Alexander sits down with Dr. Vanessa Perry, one of The PhD Project's 2026 Hall of Fame inductees.

A member of The PhD Project since 1994, Dr. Perry reflects on her journey as a scholar, mentor, and academic leader, sharing insights on perseverance, mentorship, and the importance of creating opportunities for others.

Her story is a powerful reminder that the impact we make extends far beyond the classroom, shaping future generations of students, scholars, and leaders.

As we celebrate the 2026 Hall of Fame Inductees, we invite you to listen to Dr. Perry's inspiring conversation and learn more about the experiences that have defined her career and legacy.

🎧 Listen now: https://youtu.be/l5qhpdTwEV4

Episode Highlights00:00 – Dr. Vanessa Perry joins Voices of Impac...